₦airaland Forum

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a major legal test to its ability to contest the 2023 General elections in Enugu State following the application by Labour Party to join a suit seeking the disqualification of all PDP candidates in Enugu from participating in the elections.

The suit is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and PDP from fielding candidates for all positions in the 2023 elections, including the Governorship, the Senatorial, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly in the state.

The suit, which was originally brought against PDP by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Senatorial candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, Comrade Chika Emmanuel Idoko, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, has been transferred to the Federal High Court Enugu. It is slated for hearing on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

Labour party’s Motion for Joinder, according to court filings made on its behalf by Messrs Chukwudei Igwe, Emeka Abba, Helen Ugwu, and Oluseyi Adegbejo, was brought pursuant to Order 26 Rules 1 & 2, Order 9 rule 14 (2) (b) of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019. The motion avers that as a political party, "Labour Party is an interested party in the suit, being a political party with interest in the elections."

Listed as respondents in the suit, No FHC/EN/CS/217/22, are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2023 elections in the state, Barr. Peter Mbah, Senatorial candidate of the party for Enugu North senatorial district, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as all Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates of the party in the state.

Labour Party, in the suit, is alleging that PDP violated provisions of the Electoral Act, which prescribes a minimum number of days of notice before conducting the party primaries that produced the candidates that it submitted to INEC, ahead of the 2023 elections. The party is therefore seeking a declaration by the Court barring PDP from taking part in the elections.

The suit also seeks a declaration that “by the interpretations of the express provisions of Sections 82(5) and 84(13)of the Electoral Act, 2022, the failure of the 2nd defendant to submit the register of members 30 days to the primary election to the 1st defendant, as statutorily required, renders the 2nd defendant's primary election for nomination of the 3rd to 38th Defendants as candidates for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly in Enugu State for the 2023 General Election held on 21st, 22nd, 24th and 23 and 25th May 2022 invalid."

Section 82 of the Electoral Act states in part that "every registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act." Failure to comply with this Section, according to the Act, shall render the convention, congress, conference or meeting invalid.

Other prayers before the Court by the Plaintiffs include a “declaration that by the interpretation of the express provisions of Section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st defendant is under a duty not to include the 3rd to 38th defendants as Candidates for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly in Enugu State for the 2023 General Election.”

My attention has been drawn to the horrific accident that occured on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Ugwu Onyeama Enugu Expressway. My heartfelt prayers of comfort go out to the bereaved families and friends and I pray for a full recovery for all those who survived.

I was deeply distressed by the gory description of the incident as given by our sister, Bianca Ojukwu. From the state of our roads to the reaction of the witnesses and the unavailability of emergency services, there is so much that we can do better.

As she noted, the highest point of civilization is the consideration, empathy and compassion for the other. That is #OnyeAghanaNwanneYa. It is a value we must restore. This should be what drives our actions as humans whether on the roads or from the office of the governor or any public official.

It was compassion that made her stop to ensure that as many victims as possible had a chance of survival. It is compassion and a sense of duty that should guide our leaders in making decisions, policies and investments for our collective good. Emergency services are not an impossible task.

The seeds of this had been planted by a previous administration which has been mismanaged by the current PDP-led administration. This must be revived to ensure that our people receive urgent attention in emergency situations.

We must upgrade our First Response System which includes communications, security operatives, road safety officials, firefighters, medical teams all working seamlessly and properly connected to hospitals for emergency response.

This essential public service is simply a dividend citizens should enjoy for the taxes they pay. As a Government, my administration will also work closely with non-governmental organisations and private entities to strengthen the value chain as well.

We will also have a media team whose training and first responsibility is the professional reportage of emergencies, keeping the public aware of incidents and best practices, and keeping the emergency services and government accountable to the people.

The Ugwu Onyeama Enugu Expressway and all other dilapidated roads must be salvaged and repaired to reduce the occurrence of accidents. But when they do happen, we must do all that is humanly possible to give every person a chance of survival.

https://akelicious.net/2022/11/22/enugu-2023-we-will-ensure-an-emergency-service-that-works-frank-nweke-jr/

[url]Frank Nweke Jr visits Agbani Police Division, Sympathizes With Officers And The Community[/url]

*Frank Nweke Jr visits Agbani Police Division, Sympathizes With Officers And The Community*

Following the tragedy that struck Enugu state on Saturday where two police officers were killed after an attack on a police checkpoint in front of the Area command/Agbani police division, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Frank Nweke Jr paid a condolence visit to the police division as well as the people of the community.

During the visit which occured on Sunday afternoon, Nweke Jr, while sympathizing with the force also saluted their bravery in protecting the lives and property of the people of Agbani and the state at large despite frequent attacks on the Nigerian police and considering their subpar working conditions.

"I truly sympathize with you all. We all are saddened by this ugly situation and loss of men who gave their lives to the service of the people" he stated.

The APGA gubernatorial candidate condemned the attack and noted the need for better working conditions and an upgrade in equipment for the force.

"Ensuring that our security operatives have all they need to work with is a priority to me, we cannot keep our people if those meant to protect them don't have what is necessary to do their jobs. As governor, I will take all measures necessary to ensure all security agencies have all the support they need'' Nweke Jrm. added

Unknown gunmen had attack the police officers on Saturday morning. The gunmen reported to have operated from a vehicle, stormed the checkpoint and opened fire on the police officers, killing three on the spot.

https://akelicious.net/2022/11/20/frank-nweke-jr-visits-agbani-police-division-sympathizes-with-officers-and-the-community/

Enugu State Citizen Support for Equity and Good Governance, a Sociopolitical Group in Enugu State has endorsed Frank Nweke Jr as their preferred candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Enugu State.

The group, known for championing good governance and sensitising citizens across the State to participate in the political process said they had done a careful study of the state of Enugu and the candidates, and concluded that Frank Nweke Jr was the best person to occupy the Government house.

The State Coordinator, Comrade Emma Onwe (Onyedozi) said he was certain that they had chosen to support the right person and the group would throw their full structure behind him.

"We believe that Enugu will get it right this time. We have never had real elections in Enugu but we are thankful for the new electoral act and how things are looking up.

"We have spent months sensitising people to come out and cast their votes. Our votes will count and we have chosen to give it to the most competent person and that is Frank Nweke Jr"

The event also featured a short drama piece by the women arm of the group, rousing the people of Enugu to come out en masse and vote for Frank Nweke Jr and APGA.

Addressing the audience of over a thousand people, the governorship candidate thanked them for taking the responsibility to play their part in the political process, reiterating that Leadership and Followership is a shared responsibility and the key to maintaining accountability in government.

He went on to share his plans for Enugu State if elected as governor, enumerating reasons why they had made the right choice by endorsing him.

"The 2023 election is our opportunity to change the way the government is run. I will show the people of Enugu that my word can be trusted. When I say I will ensure accountability in government and put an end to pilfering, ndi Enugu can trust me to deliver on it" he stated.

https://akelicious.net/2022/11/20/enugu-2023-escseg-endorses-frank-nweke-jr-for-governor-promises-widespread-sensitization/

The broken marriage of Chief Cassidy Nduka Iloba, a former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has continued to draw public attention in and around Asaba, the state capital.

Cassidy and his estranged wife, Eucharia, were love birds who were joined in matrimony on 14th November, 2003.Theirs was a generally regarded happy union that produced children and witnessed prosperity as evident in their growth from a little bungalow they were residing to an impressive home in Umuagu.

But that house which brought much joy in the marriage is now under contention in a court of law over who owns it following the request for dissolution of the union. Cassidy is reportedly claiming that it belongs to him and his first wife who died before he married Eucharia, while she is saying it is a joint property of both of them.

According to filings at Ibusa High Court, the journey to the divorce began with Cassidy abusing his wife physically constantly, despite numerous visits to all police formations within and outside Asaba, and even FCID in Abuja, where Eucharia laid complaints of his actions.

The case at the Ibusa High court, A/36d/2019, which was instituted by her since 2019 came up on 15/11/2022 and Mr Cassidy was docked. It was adjourned to January 30, 2023.

It was gathered that aside the No.123 Ibusa Road, Umuagu, Asaba home, other allegations against him includes the abandonment of his undergraduate two sons, who now cater for themselves. In one of the court papers, Eucharia accused her husband of constant harassment of her, her customers and her staff, as well as locking up her business which is her sole source of livelihood.

Enugu 2023: Frank Nweke Jr makes promises on security, agriculture, health and more



The APGA Gubernatorial Candidate, Frank Nweke Jr, flagged off his Ward Tours on Friday, November 18, choosing to start from home in Ozalla.

He was welcomed with pomp, drums and colour gyration as the rays of hope for Enugu State shone along with the Eastern Sun just after noon.

Frank, not one to shy away from music and dance, joined his people in the merriment while going around to greet everyone as has become his custom.

For Ozalla, and indeed, the other three wards that welcomed the APGA team today, the 2023 elections are beyond politics. It is an opportunity to clean the slate and begin rewriting the story of ndi Enugu.

Just as they danced with passion, they also listened intently as Frank shared some of his plans with them. Without holding back, they also demanded answers to concerns that they nursed as well.

Also with him were the chairman of APGA, Enugu State, Ndubuisi Enechionyia and the APGA House of Representatives Candidates representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Nonso Nnamani and Nkanu East & Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Dickson Orji.

As the APGA train moved from Ozalla to Akaegbe Ward 1, Obuofia and Amodu, Nweke spoke on issues of insecurity, health, agriculture, education, job creation and care of the elderly.



At Ozalla, he easily pointed out the Closed-Circuit TVs that hung on two solar-powered light poles on both ends of the compound where the meeting was held. He and some Ozalla sons and daughters had come together to provide the installations as a way to improve security in the area.

"This is what we have done as private citizens. Imagine what my administration will do once we get into office. The safety of all of you is a priority." He said.

He went on to share other plans he had for security, including working with traditional rulers and town unions to improve intelligence gathering.

Nweke spoke convincingly about his relationship with the Federal Level of the government, citing it as one of the reasons he will be able to engage the statutory security services effectively and improve the attention given to Enugu State.

He also said this will also be useful in attracting other important advantages to the State. For example, as Minister, he was instrumental in securing N38.5 Billion for the Water Corporation in the 2000s and another N1 Billion towards the construction of roads in the State. He underscored that his ability to attract projects into the State would be one of his differentiating factors as a governor.

He spoke extensively on Agriculture, sharing that his administration will ensure that every centre set up for the purpose of improving the lives of farmers would be effective in delivering the promises made to them. His plans include providing them with capacity-building programmes, improved seedlings and fertiliser, equipment and more, working through their co-operatives. He also noted that in partnership with established Agro-companies, he would ensure farmers are able to sell their produce as they expand production in quantity and in the types of crops they plant. His first goal was ensuring food security and then, economic empowerment.

On health, Nweke spoke about the importance of primary healthcare and why it was important to him that they got it right at the preventative level. He highlighted the need to improve the conditions of doctors and nurses working at the health centres and general hospitals, promising that there will be a marked upgrade once he gets into office.

In the same vein, he was particular about Primary School education, promising that teachers would be treated with utmost priority and just like he ensured digital access for schools, he would ensure that Schools get the upgrades they need and basic education was made available for all children.

To the elderly, he promised to ensure that centres for the elderly were provided and stipends made available through their local authorities. Nweke was firm in saying that all arms of his administration would perform optimally to deliver on every promise made to the people.

In Akaegbe Ward 1 and Obuofia especially, he noted that their roads needed to be salvaged and through the Strategic Road Construction and Rehabilitation Programme, he would ensure the roads are appropriately prioritised and get the needed work done.

He also threw in the fact that water access in the rural areas would receive upgrades depending on the needs of the communities, as his goal was to ensure ease of access for every resident.

For each one of these projects, he said members of the community will be given the necessary skills upgrade to benefit from the jobs that will be created as each sector gets an upgrade. His approach was to ensure that the people are able to serve their communities productively without needing to move into the urban areas before earning a good living.

One significant thing about Frank Nweke Jr's plans remains the simplicity of it and the way every sector connects to the other and how he constantly talks about changes in local administration because of the leadership he will provide at the State level. He is also particular about collaborating at all levels to ensure every person in the State has equal access to the development his administration is billed to bring.

Frank has said he will not promise what he cannot give - a man of integrity and courage in a space where lies and empty promises thrive.

The ball is in the court of the voters. Do ndi Enugu want promises that have nothing to stand on or do we want someone who will deliver the foundational things that we can build on?

As Ndubuisi Enechionyia, the Chairman of APGA, Enugu said in his remarks at Amodu, "We must wake up and take back what is ours from those who try to bribe us with what they have stolen from us. Let us vote for a man whose desire is the well-being of the people. Let us vote Frank and vote APGA - nke a bu nke anyi"


Nkemdili Mgbanwe
Volunteer Writer, Okeifufe Media Team.

By Cyril Ujam

There are indications that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State may be enmeshed in fresh fraudulent diversion of Local Government Council Funds for personal use, even as his electoral fortunes continue to nosedive.

Information available to this media platform indicate that over N6 billion ostensibly paid into the Enugu State Local Government Joint Account may have been collected by Ugwuanyi as part of strategy to win in 2023 by all means.

Each Local Government Council, our source disclosed, is reported to have been allocated a minimum of N300 million from the Funds, with Enugu South Local Government Area, and Nsukka Local Government, getting the biggest chunks, ranging between N400 million and N450 million.

But as has been the practice in the state under the present administration, the Local Council Chairmen have been denied the utilization of this sum, returning same to the overbearing State Governor, through the office of the Chief of Staff, from where they are dispensed as the governor pleases.

Our credible intelligence has revealed that in a fresh and desperate bid to court the support of local council chairmen that are increasingly wearied by the unlawful mishandling of Local Council funds by the governor in the state, Ugwuanyi approved the purchase of 34 Toyota Hilux minivans and Toyota Corolla cars for the 17 Council Chairmen and Deputies in the state, respectively.

Each Local Government Chairman, our source confirms, will be allocated two of the Hilux vans each, reportedly for the combat of security in the state. The Vice Chairmen of the local councils, on their part, will be given brand new Corolla cars.

It is not clear what official or non-official duty the Vice Chairmen will perform with the cars being allocated to them, less than five months before the expiration of their tenures, but evidence point to a desperate effort to bribe them as potential tools for the prosecution of the 2023 general elections.

At a unit price of N35 million for one Hilux pickup van, and N20 million for one Toyota car, the project is looking to cost the 17 Local Government Areas in the state, the sum of N1.53 billion. This means that the State Government will spend the remaining N4.7 billion on whatever it fancies. But feelers indicate that the funds are being deployed to prosecute the 2023 elections, especially in the Enugu North Senatorial zone where the governor has become a very unpopular candidate.

Commenting on the issue, human rights activists, Larry Obeta Nwangwu accused the State Governor of reckless diversion of Local Government funds with little to tell of development in the loval government areas and the state.

He said: "It is unfortunate that the preoccupation of the government is how to provide expensive endearments for local government chairmen, at a time salaries for civil servants in the state have become irregular, while pensions and gratuities have remained unpaid for years."

He added: “How can any sensible government justify the expenditure of close to N2 billion on the purchase of vehicles to local government chairmen at a time hunger and inflation are snuffing life out of our children? Our retirees and senior citizens have not been paid pensions and gratuities for years now; the roads in the capital city have more potholes than they have smooth portions. Yet, the best we could do with such a windfall is to buy cars for those who should otherwise be using the money to make life better for their people. I think this is not just wickedness, it is also insane."

On what he thinks the governor is using the money for at this time, Obeta said it was obvious the funds are being diverted towards the prosecution of the 2023 elections, adding that the government was already being crippled by cash scarcity before the windfall.

"Of course, you and I know that the governor has been deploying everything for this election. He is aware of his waning acceptance in the state and is getting ready to fight the battle of his life. What Ugwuanyi is preparing for is a war and not an election, and he appears to have decided not to play by any rules. In fact, the way this funds were quickly recovered from the Local Government Chairmen suggests he is very desperate and quite prepared to even be reckless. But that is very unfortunate,” he said.

By Jonas Asadu
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It was around 2019 that I began to dream of a time when Enugu would wake up. Ugwuanyi had had an uninspired and crime-infested first tenure. The story of Enugu was, and remains, that of a state which saw a little promise and then, misfortune struck. The misfortune is Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi and his corrupt and visionless government. It is a notorious fact that he has set the state light years backwards. In terms of infrastructure, Enugu is now nearly inferior to any state in Nigeria. This is a notorious fact. It is therefore not the subject matter of this short remark. It would be like raking over the ashes.
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For me, there was the misfortune which felt heavier than the absence of governance and the brazen criminality of the ruling People’s Democratic Party: It was the seeming inertia and the unwillingness of our people to embrace change. Far worse than the decay in infrastructure, the lack of such fundamental necessities as water, and the immoral nrashi ideology which Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was propagating as a convenient excuse for the bold stealing of public money was the fraud; “Enugu is PDP”, a deception the ruling party tried to practice on the people. In my private moment I grieved heavily. I knew that the people needed to wake up but I didn’t know how. It was a painful experience as I felt alone in the whole world. The possibility of change was remote. I kept figuring how the cat could be belled. I was worried to the point of despair.
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Barr. Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga, the flagbearer of the Labour Party for the Enugu governorship election has effectively dispelled my fear. His momentum has made it glaringly clear that the Enugu people are awake and that the deception practiced on them by the PDP all these years has finally expired. The grand fraud has fallen like a house of cards. It is true: no lie lives forever. I must confess now that I misread the mood of the people. It was not that Enugu people did not want change. They did not as well lack the energy to drive it. The problem was that there was no man available cast well enough to be in the vanguard and lead the charge. This is no longer the case. By a special conspiracy of circumstances, Edeoga, a phenomenon, is born. The man Enugu had waited for all these years is finally here and they have recognized him.
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I was at the Labour Party rally which took place at Nsukka High School football field on the 5th of November. I could not believe my eyes. It was a thick crowd of genuine and zealous supporters. The unique thing about the crowd is that every member of it was there on their own conviction. There was no form of financial inducement or duress. They participated at the risk of persecution too. The paranoid ruling party left no stone unturned as they tried to frustrate the rally. They went from threatening violence and persecution to planning a counter rally. Hell or high water, the people were determined to troop out and demonstrate their solidarity to the new glimmer of hope. When all their antics failed, they watched in dismay as the new sheriff, lovingly called Nwa-Edeoga by the electrified crowd, rode into town, as if it was a triumphant entry.
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As Edeoga stood, clad in his signature white trad and the Igbo red cap, characteristically charismatic, exuding disarming charm, the massive crowd paused. His speech was affecting. Chief Edeoga spoke of his covenant with the heartbroken and longsuffering Enugu people. It felt different. It was not the usual political sloganeering. It was not the overtrodden path of reeling out threadbare, windy political promises. It was utterly sincere and soul-deep. The people felt the overflowing sincerity. Most of them were moved to tears. And when a man who has been in public life before the return of democracy, and yet remains modest and blameless from every allegation of corruption, tells you to hold him accountable, you will have no reason to doubt him. When a man whose fidelity to his words made him prefer “Okaome” for a title tells you that he will do something, you can take his words to the bank. When a man, most of whose suffering had been caused by his stubborn advocacy for a better society and his blunt refusal to cooperate with the forces of evil against the common people, stands in the vanguard of a liberation movement, there is no reason to doubt him. Chijioke Edeoga is a battle-tested fighter for the common people. A man of unimpeachable integrity.
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It is now beyond doubt. The Labour Party will win Enugu on an epic landslide. Despite the mindboggling amount of money being poured into the PDP guber campaign, it has refused to pick fire. The campaign has become, for them, like a woman with a broken waist. They have no idea on how to carry it. The reason is not far-fetched. The Enugu people are tired of deception. The barefaced pillaging of their common patrimony has gone on for far too long than they can ignore. The PDP is dead. What we don’t know is how ostentatious Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi intends to make the funeral.
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I thought we had no hope. Now my depression is gone. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga is our hope. He is the people’s choice. Let us drink to a new dawn!

By Okey Achife

Calculations of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to retain its stranglehold on Enugu State in the forthcoming general elections was thrown into a tailspin by the mammoth crowd which turned out at the gubernatorial campaign flag-off Labour Party in Nsukka at the weekend.

Feelers from the PDP controlled government in Enugu indicate that the party hierarchy was stunned speechless by the massive acceptance of the gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party, Hon.Chijioke Edeoga, and the enormous appeal of the party at the rally to Nsukka people who are traditional PDP supporters.

According to sources from Enugu state government house, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was in panic mode all through the period of the rally as he kept working the phones, asking questions about the large crowd at the Nsukka High School venue of the rally.

He was reported by a government house insider to have been rattled by images from the rally and immediately called for an emergency meeting of his aides and supporters. The agenda of the meeting was not immediately available to this writer, but it is speculated that the embattled governor, who is seeking the senatorial seat of Enugu North which the Nsukka zone encompasses, is strategising to slow the Labour Party momentum.

It was gathered that all efforts made by Ugwuanyi to stop the rally failed, including instructing all government controlled venues to deny Labour Party access. He was also reported to have started construction of the road leading to the Nsukka High School venue on the morning of the rally, but his contractors were chased away by the people who have turned against the poor-performing governor.

Political analysts in Enugu insist that signs that Ugwuanyi would lose his polling booth in Orba are becoming clearer and persistent. They wager that the governor who is bent on foisting himself on the people for the umpteenth time as a legislator had put up a below average performance in office and embarrassed his people in the past eight years, would be paid back in his own coin.

They reasoned however, that what had become a huge loss to the PDP has proven to be a massive gain for Chijioke Edeoga and his Labour Party. The Labour Party guber candidate is seen as Enugu’s best chance to regain respect as the mother-state of both the South East and South South.

Edeoga's popularity was fully confirmed at the Nsukka rally where the crowd hung onto every word he uttered and yearned for more.

Considering that Nsukka Zone is the largest voting block in the state, pundits are optimistic that Peter Mbah of PDP may have wasted the colossal amount of money he allegedly spent on buying over the party’s nomination.

Dismissing Mbah’s predictable silent grief over Labour Party’s Nsukka rally with an impatient wave of the hand, Chike Onyia, an Enugu based journalist said "why should Mbah cry over his imminent loss? After all, is the money he spent on buying the PDP ticket not our money? Is it not the money they stole from Enugu State?"

A lady has challenged Nigerians worldwide to join her in protesting against God after she accused him of allowing singer Davido’s son to die in the tragic accident.




She captured herself in a video as she cried and protested angrily at the most high God for not preventing the unfortunate incident from happening.

https://akelicious.net/2022/11/03/ifeanyi-adeleke-join-me-lets-protest-against-god-lady-tells-nigerians/

Lawyers seek return of forfeited assets to Enugu, thank Buhari for snubbing Peter Mbah’s tank farm launch

By Martins Ogolo

An Enugu-based law firm, August Solicitors, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asking for the transfer of assets valued at "N6.5 billion, that were forfeited by former Governor of the State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, and PDP Governorship candidate in the 2023 elections in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah."

In a letter, signed by Barr Peter Chime, dated October 27, 2022, and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the solicitors are claiming that the said sum was as contained in the plea bargain reached in the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Division and which was delivered on July 7, 2015 pursuant to section 27012) and (13) of the administration of criminal justice act, 2015.
The lawyers who claimed they represent the people of Enugu State are asking the EFCC, to transfer the said sum, back to the coffers of Enugu State, because, according to them, the money rightfully belongs to the people Enugu State.

The petition read in part:
“We are Solicitors to Enugu State Youth Leaders Forum led by PETER CHIME of No. 80, Nza Street. Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State and in whose instructions we make this application:

"That sometime between 2003-2007, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani and Peter Mbah were the Executive Governor of Enugu State and Enugu State Commissioner for Finance respectively.

“That during their tenure the said Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani and Peter Mbah were alleged to have laundered the sum of over N6.5 Billion Naira belonging to various Local Governments in Enugu State for the development of various Communities of our clients in the 17 Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“That on 22/1/2007, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed Charge No. FIIC/L/09C/2007: THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA v. PETER MBAH & ORS, at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Division for offences arising from the money laundering activities of Peter Mbah for and on behalf of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani.

“That on 16/7/2007, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also filed Charge No FHC123002007 FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA v. CHIMAROKE NNAMANI and his accomplices in the money laundering crimes. That on 7/7/2015. Peter Mbah and Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani pleaded guilty to the offences charged and forfeited the properties listed as Exhibit RAZ to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”

The petitioners believe justice will only have been served "if and when the forfeited amount is returned to the people from whom it was stolen in the first place." They urged the EFCC "to see that justice is done and seen to have been done."

In another development, a group of lawyers, under the aegis of Enugu State Lawyers for Good Governance have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, thanking him for ignoring the invitation extended to him as special guest of honour at the recent commissioning of Pinnacle Oil tank farms in Lagos.

In the letter, the group said Buhari’s absence at the event was proof that he was a listening leader.

“We, the Enugu State Lawyers For Good Governance on behalf of the law-abiding citizens of Enugu State humbly appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for not attending the commissioning of the Pinnacle Tank Farms, Lekki Free Trade Zone Terminal Lagos as requested by the majority of concerned Enugu State Indigenes and Lawyers.

"This is a testament to the fact that Your Excellency, as a father of all, is a listening Leader,” the group said in their letter."

Describing the promoters of the tank farm as “unscrupulous”, the lawyers said Buhari’s absence at the event ensured that his integrity was not utilized to cover foundations of corruption.

Our attention has been drawn to the restless activities of Reuben Onyishi on social media platforms where the Obimo, Nsukka LGA born media handler of the PDP gubernatorial campaign in Enugu State has been running amok with lies, character assassination and toxic propaganda intended to pit the church, members of the IPOB and prominent citizens of the state against the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga.

Onyishi who has been exposed as the dirty character hiding behind over 50 pseudo accounts on different social media platforms to attack presumed enemies of his paymasters has lately run berserk with fake stories in which he made desperate efforts to pitch the Catholic Church against the Anglican Church with false comments which he mischievously attributed to Hon. Edeoga.

Pushing his propagandist agenda to a ridiculous height, Onyishi had circulated a spurious story where he had reported that the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma had endorsed Hon. Edeoga and in his usual invidious manner, attributed unprintable words to both Chukwuma and Edeoga in the report. There is no truth to that story. It should be totally ignored by everyone.

Onyishi whose narrow understanding of his media brief does not stray too far from criminal shadowboxing, character assassination and masterminding brainless conspiracy theories also injected another fake story currently trending on social media in which he alleged that Hon Edeoga was complaining about being betrayed by Senator Chukwuka Utazi and Dr Maduka Onyishi, the Chairman of Peace Mass Transit Ltd. That is a blatant lie. Hon. Edeoga could never have picked issues with his dignified brothers who are some of his fiercest supporters.

But the most ridiculous of all the stories Onyishi has peddled so far is the one in which he alleged that Edeoga had blamed members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) for the security situation in the South East. That is a very disgusting lie that no one should take seriously at all.

Indeed, we have observed that since he emerged as the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, the fear of Chijioke Edeoga has driven other opposition parties, especially the PDP into embarrassing panic and sleepless nights, leading to the waves of calumny campaign they have mounted to discredit him.

This is because Edeoga is seen as a charismatic political leader whose candidacy stands out in the on-going race as the only contestant with a clear edge over his closest rivals. A broad section of Enugu residents tip him to win the February 2023 election.

The belief in Edeoga’s likely victory in the Enugu gubernatorial election was recently boosted by the results of two online polls which placed him clearly ahead of his fellow contestants.

It is widely believed therefore that the endless smear campaign against him, especially the one led by Reuben Onyishi and heavily funded by the state house in Enugu, is intended to slice off Edeoga’s tremendous lead by pitching him against the church, IPOB and prominent indigenes who have the capacity to influence large segments of the voting population in the coming elections.

In conclusion, as the campaign for the 2023 elections gathers momentum, we consider it proper to alert the general public to the likelihood of more organized and desperate efforts to misinform, mislead and divert the attention of voters from their preferred candidates to candidates who have nothing but misery and pain to offer them.

Hon Chijioke Edeoga of Labour Party remains Enugu’s best hope to reclaim its centrality in Southern Nigeria and its lost glory as the former capital of the old Eastern Region. A vote for him is therefore, a vote for the greatness of Enugu State.

Signed:

Hon. Chijioke Edeoga Media Team.

*SOLUDO RECEIVES ENUGU AND EBONYI APGA GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES, OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PARTY VICTORY IN STATES*

By Christian ABURIME

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has expressed optimism that the All Progressives Grand Alliance party (APGA) will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

Governor Soludo stated this when a campaign delegation of APGA faithful and their Governorship Candidates from Enugu and Ebonyi State paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor's Lodge Amawbia.

The Delegation from Enugu State comprises of Frank Nweke Junior (APGA Governorship Candidate), Dr. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi (APGA Deputy Governorship Candidate), Chief Casmir Ugwuishi (APGA Senatorial Candidate), Mr Ndubuisi Enechi Onyia, Mr Nonso Nnamani, Mr Francis Onyemenam and Ms Uche Ezeugwu.

Others from Ebonyi State are; Prof Benard I. Odoh (APGA Governorship Candidate), Dr. Nkata Chukwu (APGA Deputy Governorship Candidate), Sen. Onwe Emmanuel (APGA Senatorial Candidate, Ebonyi Central), Charles Otu, Boniface Ogbu and Amaechi Nwenewo.

According to the Governor, APGA is one big family.

"When I look at you all, I'm looking at a team. We must forge together to begin the journey to get this country to work.

"It is time for true progressives to come together to move this party forward " Governor Soludo stated

"As flag bearers of this party, you must understand APGA is more than a political party. It is a movement that I believe in."

"My purpose at this moment is to fix our land. I started from the International scene to Abuja and now, I am at Awka. I am on a journey towards retirement.

"Our individualism is our greatest strength but also our greatest weakness. We want to succeed alone but we forget about collective power on which our founding fathers thrived on.

"APGA is the address of Ndigbo. We need to organize ourselves and bargain for others.

"There are governing alliances and where these votes are! We must organize and bargain in a more serious manner for people to take us seriously.

"There are basic infrastructures that give you electoral victory. You look at the demographics of those voters, what drives them to vote.

"I am hoping and believing that after the election post-march, Ndigbo will start having serious conversations.

"Alliance is the politics played in the first and second republic.

"I feel very passionate because I am talking to members of my family. We must turn our anger positively and have a long term view of this matter.

"Our people must go back to the drawing board. Zik and his team understood our society and we must instil the new Zikism.

"We have lots of work. I must encourage you strongly that we must work and understand the power of organization.

"We must change the system to become an economic powerhouse and nations will find and come to us," Governor Soludo concluded.

Prof Oddo, while speaking earlier said, he has been anticipating this kind of opportunity to meet with the Governor. He further said the motto of tye party is hingdled on Onye aghana nwanne ya. Meaning, "We are the same family."

He reminded Governor Soludo that when he was competing, he talked about regional geo-political economy. He stressed that the people are tired with PDP and APC politics.

Prof Oddo disclosed that in Ebonyi and Enugu, APGA billboards, posters and vehicles are being destroyed.

He indulged Soludo to make a speech as APGA Governor in regards to that in a joint conference.

Frank Nweke added that he is paying his respect to Governor Soludo on the great work and his laser focus on security and road infrastructure.

He said he is delighted because he knows Soludo and have worked with him.

He recalled the amount of work Soludo did nationally as Chief Economic Adviser which drove the transformative agenda under president Obasanjo

And because of his works, President Obasanjo didn't hesitate to nominate him as CBN Governor where he transformed the banking sector.

He also recalled how him and Soludo had the opportunity to serve with President Obasanjo, whom he described as a statesman, a lover of Nigeria, the most detribalized Nigerian.

What mattered according to Frank Nweke was the capacity and competence of each of the individuals appointed

"From the depth of my soul, I want to assure you that I have imbibed the spirit of Onye aghana nwanne that's why I'm in APGA," he said.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alex Obiogbolu, amongst others attended the event.

https://akelicious.net/2022/10/21/2023-soludo-receives-enugu-and-ebonyi-apga-governorship-candidates-photos/

By Okenwa Aniegbu

Peter Mbah’s Manifesto reads like a funeral oration for the burial of Enugu State. At best, Mbah’s manifesto is a confetti of lies. At worst, it is a mish-mash of inchoate and poorly chewed promises, outright falsehoods and irritating glib talk. If that document released last Thursday represents Mbah’s dreams for Enugu State, then he has metaphorically rolled out the burial mat for the final interment of the state that has been figuratively choked to death in the grip of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Presented with so much noise and fanfare, Peter Mbah’s Manifesto is a great example of how not to prepare for public office. The sixty-one-page booklet is a wish-list of incongruencies, doublespeak and unlikelihood. In it, Mbah tells us that his strategic objectives are to offer Enugu people peace and security, inclusive economic development and sustainable prosperity.

Mbah’s strategic objectives are hoary, illusionary and annoying. For one, peace cannot be a strategic objective. Is Enugu known for war? Peace is a direct result of deliberate and conscientious actions over time. And well; promising Ndi Enugu that you would give them peace is akin to promising them a gift of coal. They find it annoying. Enugu has more coal than she needs. In much the same way, Enugu has always been peaceful. The only time peace eluded Enugu was when Mbah and his Ebeano godfather were in power. They made Enugu sleep with one eye open. And now, they are plotting their way back and promising Enugu peace. What manner of peace can come from them?

Beside tawdry promises, Mbah’s manifesto is tragically flawed by utter lack of big ideas. It has nothing aspirational… no beacons to guide Enugu into a shimmering 21st Century. Only a rehash of the mundane. Pray, what is Inclusive Economic Development? What is Sustainable Prosperity? These are watery development cliches that have been floating around for decades without ever finding roots in any serious economy. They are proof that Mbah lacks imagination and originality. And sadly, his handlers have no gift to lift him beyond the morass of ordinariness.

Mbah’s manifesto is broken down into four broad categories. They are Economic Transformation Objectives, Rural and Urban Infrastructure, Inclusive and Transparent Governance and finally, Cross-cutting Programmes and Social Services. Under these headings, Mbah offers us a diet of the usual banalities from a typical Nigerian politician. There’s not a hint of sparkle. Not a spark of profundity. Just a load of bluster and poppycock.

A thread of emptiness, lack of deep reflection and originality runs through the entire gamut of the document. For instance, on page 28, Mbah’s concern about infrastructural development was reduced to assurances of providing road signs and markings and the installation of streetlights. Imagine that! But wait for this. On page 29, Mbah promised to provide inland waterway services in Enugu. Waterway services in Enugu? Not only does that sound ridiculous, it also sounds embarrassing. Mbah has presented himself as a classic case of the dishonest politician who promises to build bridges where there are no rivers. And we shall remind him of this with our votes!

And as if that were not enough, Mbah makes yet another infuriating promise of growing Enugu’s GDP from $1.4billion to $30bn in eight years. He must be a miracle worker. But then again, he fails to provide the roadmap to realizing that. Pray, is Mbah talking about a different state or the same Enugu that has been dragged to her knees by the regime that gave him his ticket? Is it the same Enugu that is now the 3rd poorest state in Nigeria? Tufiakwa!

A most annoying feature of Mbah’s manifesto is its obvious lack of substance. It is plagued with boring generalities and tiresome repetitions. His so-called Governing Philosophy on page 10 is boringly repeated on page 11. And what is Mbah’s governing philosophy, by the way? “Seamless and periodic sharing of information on policies, programmes and projects.” Such inanity! And just when you would have hoped for something conceptual, deep and inspiring, you suddenly realise that the segment is suffused with minutiae of everyday operations of government. Pathetic!

And then, this; Mbah’s manifesto has no Mission or Vision Statements. Yes. It has none. So, Mbah’s government will be like a creaky old vehicle galloping through potholes at night without headlamps. The end is predictable misery. In fact, it is doubtful that Mbah and his handlers are fully aware of the importance of clearly defined and measurable vision and mission in 21st Century governance. And even if they do, why would Mbah bother when he conceitedly believes that he has bought his way to the state house?

But that is not even ridiculous enough. What would make even the most irredeemable liar cringe is Mbah’s promise to build 10,000 kilometers of roads. However, the real embarrassment is that Mbah relishes living in the bubble of his own outrageous lies. For instance, he has come out to defend his absurd promise to build 10,000 km of roads when experts reminded him that Enugu was too small to accommodate even half of that length of roads. And in spite of the fact that it is a globally accepted belief that governments should not be directly involved in running businesses, Mbah has assured Ndi Enugu that he would build a vehicle manufacturing plant in Enugu through a special scheme known as Enugu Automotive Initiative. Lies! He also promised to build a 5-Star hotel that would stand out as the first in South East and South South. More lies! And these are not an intelligent lies, by the way. It is a brazen show of arrogance. An attitude that says “what can you do if you notice that I lied to you?”

Going further, Mbah’s plan for ICT hangs in the air. The entire booklet is rather vague; throwing up so many industry jargons to confuse the unwary reader. Mbah appeared confused himself when he promised to build a STEM High school in each of the three senatorial zones of the state. The question is, where does he place all the Special Science Schools that have been filling that gap for decades? A better strategy should be to strengthen them and bring them up to speed with evolutionary trends in the industry. Would setting up a STEM High school not amount to a costly duplication of efforts?

And if you think you have heard the last of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s pathetic lack of depth, wait until you realize that his entire manifesto says nothing worth paying attention to with regards to the debilitating water challenge in Enugu. Evidently, Mbah is not high minded enough to consider Enugu’s water challenge a crucial item on the agenda of political campaigns.

In conclusion, it is regrettable that someone as poorly prepared for leadership as Peter Mbah is being foisted on Enugu State. It will be tragic to allow that happen! Mbah’s manifesto is entitled "Tomorrow is Here." May Mbah’s tomorrow never come!

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, T Y Danjuman, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Close Door Meeting.

https://akelicious.net/2022/10/15/pdp-crisis-jonathan-atiku-wike-and-t-y-danjuman-in-close-door-meeting/

Davido Shows Off The Bag Pastor Tobi Gifted Chioma, Which She Can't Carry Without The Receipt

Popular Nigerian singer, Davido has just shared a video on his instastory. He was with Chioma, his lawyer, Soso Soberekon and Pastor Tobi Adegboyega. Pastor Tobi could be seen presenting an expensive designer bag to Chioma, which got both she and Davido really excited. Davido then saluted him and also said that's why he loves him. The both of them then hugged each other.

Looking at the video closely, a little detail that could be overlooked is the fact that Pastor Tobi told her that she couldn't carry the bag without the receipt. He then proceeded to give her the receipt of the bag.

Chioma's face lit up with a big smile as she thanked him for the gift. The video was uploaded by Davido and he captioned it with "PT strikes again". He is known to be a very close pal of Davido and the singer doesn't fail to say how much he loves him.


https://akelicious.net/2022/10/08/davido-shows-off-the-bag-pastor-tobi-gifted-chioma-which-she-cant-carry-without-the-receipt/

The popular Charismatic Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has officially said goodbye to members of the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN). He made this announcement via a video uploaded on the church’s official Facebook handle few minutes ago.

Recall, the Adoration Ministry, which was shut down three months ago, was re-opened few days ago. However, in the place of Fr. Mbaka, another clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi has been posted to take charge of the Adoration Ministry. You will also recall how members of AMEN recently reacted to the church’s decision in transferring Fr. Mbaka to the monastery.

In this light, Fr. Mbaka on his farewell message, said from the video: “I wish to use this opportunity to bless and encourage you as I depart to the monastery in obedience to my bishop. I want you to remain calm as written in Psalm 46:10.
“This is a time we shall know the real adorers. Please, back me with your prayers so that I will go and embark on deeper reflections and interior waiting on the Lord. I want to remind you of Jeremiah 29:13, God will reverse everything. God has good plans for us and not to destroy us. This is not a time to be sorrowful. Be calm and vigilant. Stop every form of protest and demonstration. I love you and I will be with you. God bless you”.

https://akelicious.net/2022/10/05/mbaka-officially-says-goodbye-to-members-of-adoration-ministry/

The city of Washington D.C., United States, has proclaimed October 1, as Nigerian-American Day.

The proclamation was made in a statement by the Mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser.

The declaration, according to the Mayor, is in consonance with the celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary.

Bowser noted that Washington D.C. had one of the largest immigrant population from Nigeria in America.

The Mayor hailed the contributions of Nigerian-Americans, some of whom are civic leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Bowser said Nigerian music and art, particularly Afrobeats and Nollywood, enrich the cultural economy and strengthen cultural ties.

“The Nigerian Center provides a platform for heritage preservation and expands the pathways for Nigerian immigrants to become Nigerian-Americans.

“The city’s office on African Affairs works with the Nigerian Center to foster economic inclusion and advancement and to promote Nigerian culture,” Bowser said.

The Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center for diaspora Nigerians in America.

The establishment offers financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for members of the Nigerian-American community in the United States.

https://akelicious.net/2022/10/01/washington-d-c-declares-october-1st-nigerian-american-day/

The former deputy speaker of the house of representatives, Chief Emeka ihedioha has taken a swipe on the Igbos for not supporting the candidature of former vice president,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Chief Emeka ihedioha who addressed the igbo community in Ghana over the weekend said that Igbo's are sabotaging their political future for discarding the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in place of Peter obi who Is running on the ticket of labour party.

According to the former deputy speaker, it would amount to political naivety sabotage should the igbos leave PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and support Peter obi.

" The 2023 general election would be a litmus test on the political faithfulness of the Igbos, it would amount to sabotage to have supported PDP for decades and turn around now to support Peter obi who is running on the ticket of labour party"

"Labour has no structure to win , those supporting labour party are saboteurs who don't wish the Igbo Nation good politically "

" peter obi wouldn't win this election, let's not bury our political destiny by supporting him in place of Atiku Abubakar ,say chief Emeka ihedioha "

https://akelicious.net/2022/09/27/2023-igbos-are-saboteurs-for-not-supporting-atiku-says-emeka-ihedioha/

*FGN Power Company set to commission new power equipment, vows to ramp up electricity supply*

All is now set for the commissioning of the first set of power equipment procured by the federal government in the determined effort to improve the supply of electricity to Nigerians.
The equipment, which include; transformers and mobile substations, procured in partnership with Siemens Energy, were purpose-designed to meet Nigeria’s power supply needs in a phased programme that will see to the generation and distribution of 25,000 megawatts of electricity by 2025.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the Nigeria Energy Conference and Exhibitions, held at the Landmark Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FGN Power Company (FGNPC), Mr. Kenny Anuwe, said the company is set to commission the first set of these power equipment that have already arrived in the country, with the aim to sustain the tempo until power disruptions in the country becomes a thing of the past.
Although he was reluctant to provide exact dates, Anuwe however suggested the formal commissioning ceremonies will begin before the third week in October 2022, at a location in Lagos, while the second set of equipment will be unveiled in Abuja at a later date.
He said with the new equipment, power supply will rise to a minimum of 7,000 megawatts, and assured that the company is committed to execute its plans until all the targets set towards ending power disruptions in the country are brought to an end.
“The Federal Government is determined to make a difference in the lives and livelihood of Nigerians, and with the pace of work being put in the project so far, I think we would exceed 7,000 Mega Watts, but this is our first objective, and we are not taking our eyes off that ball. We want to hit that target and to exceed it and that is a confirmation that improvement in electricity supply is absolutely doable,” Anuwe said
He said that FGNPC has adopted a transparent and sustainable model that will deliver on the objectives of the project across the electricity supply value chain, a procedure he believes, will win the trust and support of Nigerians
Although he admitted that the energy needs of a country the size and capacity of Nigeria exceeds 7,000 megawatts, he said the set threshold is a minimum target that will continually be improved upon until the average Nigerian has access to electricity supply without recourse to the more expensive and environmentally hazardous alternatives.
He explained that FGNPC was established by the Federal Government as a special purpose vehicle for the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), in an effort to make the task of ramping up electricity supply easier.
“The FGN Power Company was set up as a special purpose company to implement the PPI. But it's core mandate is in three broad categories; number one is to secure financing for the programme; number two, to engage with stakeholders right across the value chain, and number three, to coordinate the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative. It also includes engagement in engineering and procurement contracts (EPC) and master content management (MCM), all fashioned to deliver for Nigerians, all the objectives set in the PPI,” he said.
On the roles to be played by the Generating Companies (GENCOS) and Distribution Companies (DISCOS) under the new order, Anuwe explained that the establishment of FGNPC does not impact the roles of the players in the electricity value chain, since, according to him, the arrangement takes the form of a partnership than role absorption.
“The GENCOS and the DISCOS will continue to play their part in the value chain of delivering energy to consumers right across Nigeria. What will be different is that they will now have a partner in FGN Power Company that is enabled to actually implement a program that supports their businesses in sustainable ways, while strengthening their ccapabilities to deliver value to their custumers,” the FGNPC boss said.
He praised the partnership between Nigeria and FGNPC on the one hand, and the German Government and Siemens Energy, on the other, explaining that the relationship will bear long term benefits to Nigeria and its people.
Siemens, he said is a world leader in original equipment manufacturing (OEM), who are also playing the role of a partner, while also providing support in financing and other technical aspects of the project.
Beyond their role as Original Equipment Manufacturers, Anuwe said Siemens I is in the project as implementation partners that is supporting Nigeria by enabling financing.

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo was in the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) on a visit to the number two citizen of Nigeria, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

The Vice President who expressed delight on receiving the Governor of Anambra State, commended Governor Soludo for the transformational agenda he is bringing to bear in Anambra State

The duo later entered into a closed door meeting for further private discussions

Before leaving the Vice President's office, Governor Soludo fielded questions from members of the press who sought to know the purpose of his visit. The Governor maintained his visit to the number two citizen was private.

The Governor also explained the security situation in Anambra, saying the State is now comparatively safer and peaceful with the security architecture being put in place. He again commended the various security agencies in the State and the people of Anambra for the cooperation and partnership in the fight against insecurity in the State

Governor Soludo also used the occasion to speak to the press on his six months in office and the massive programmes especially in the areas of road, health, education, power and other critical sectors, that are being aggressively executed in the state, assuring that in few months time Anambra will be one big construction site for massive development!

https://akelicious.net/2022/09/22/governor-soludo-pays-a-courtesy-visit-to-vp-osinbajo-photos/

"Peter Obi's campaign is not a Biafran Agenda, but a National Movement"

By Martins Ogolo

Renowned Nigerian poet and journalist, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, says that the sweeping acceptance of Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate, was not a regional, but national movement.

In a response, titled "Letter to a Brother" named Dapo, Amu-Nnadi stated that Nigerians are "massing for a change" because Peter Obi's campaign offers them hope for a new nation.

He wrote: "Nigerians are tired of nonsense. Nigerians are tired of the devaluation of their lives, beyond the Naira. Nigerians want something better. And so, this is not just a movement, it is a cry for help, and a resolve to take our destiny in our own hands, to save ourselves and save our families. And save this great country."

Ostensibly responding to an assertion that Peter Obi represents a "Biafran" agenda, Amu-Nnadi stated that "Nigerian people have been pushed against the wall" and are fighting back.

"And they are not Igbos. They are not Yorubas. They are not Hausas. They are not Ijaws. They are neither majority tribe nor minority tribe. They are just angry, hungry Nigerians massing for a change because it has become personal and urgent and painful. Interpret it whichever you may, the hunger, the anger and the pain are palpable and for the first time someone offers hope, and not a fraction of some dubious wealth, to them," the letter stated.

Believed to have been written to a former colleague in the old Daily Times who campaigns for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the full text of the letter reads:

Letter to a Brother

Dear Dapo,

Nigerians are tired of nonsense. Nigerians are tired of the devaluation of their lives, beyond the Naira. Nigerians want something better. And so, this is not just a movement, it is a cry for help, and a resolve to take our destiny in our own hands, to save ourselves and save our families. And save this great country. I just drove around Port Harcourt, looking to buy fuel. None whatsoever available. Foodstuffs are too expensive. Housing is too expensive. School children are being denied their education. At 60, I have fewer years to live than I have lived.

Everywhere you look, there's suffering, despair and poverty. Nigerians feel cornered by the dubious and decrepit ideology of Nigeria's present democracy: of stealing everything and buying up everything, including votes and conscience. The Peter Obi movement is rousing, beyond any petty interpretation that may be founded on the rising fear in the establishment that this election won't be contrived as usual, because Nigerian people have been pushed against the wall. They're fighting back.

And they are not Igbos. They are not Yorubas. They are not Hausas. They are not Ijaws. They are neither majority tribe nor minority tribe. They are just angry, hungry Nigerians massing for a change because it has become personal and urgent and painful. Interpret it whichever you may, the hunger, the anger and the pain are palpable and for the first time someone offers hope, and not a fraction of some dubious wealth, to them. Those who would make excuses and offer protestations would do so. They are paid to do so. And as a student of history and a child of history, Biafra had a name for certain people. It was called 'sabo'.

And beyond all that is the politics of injustice and exclusion being perpetrated and perpetuated against the South East. We fought a war, yes. Against what? Injustice. Even for a moment, the great Obafemi Awolowo understood why. And it is the kind still being waged even today, for which one reads the name Biafra here, spoken so slyly as though nothing and no damage was and is intended. As students of history, let's have this argument. Every important part of this country has produced a President, except the South East. The only time a South Easterner was President he was ceremonial and the British supervised the elections.

What is wrong with us as a country, and what sin so grievous have the people of the South East committed that years after Obasanjo was president, even in this vice presidency of Osinbajo, people here and in many places fight and argue and insult others because a Yoruba man must again be president? And then there was Yar'adua and now Buhari. How daft do people really think Nigerians are? Do they not understand that we see beyond the sublime and crass postulations and posts here, to know that it is after all all too clannish? The kind that has brought Nigeria to her knees? A country where federal character, and not (simply) character, is the overriding consideration and policy of state?

And, dear Dapo, how daft some of us here are presumed, reading posts here that demonise a man whose history, source of wealth, parentage and educational background, as well as antecedents are known, because he dared to exercise his fundamental rights as a Nigerian to seek the highest office in the land? Just because he's not part of any of the "favoured tribes"? And a man with failing health, and too many questions on everything a father should ask of a man coming to marry his daughter, is championed, just because he serves certain clannish considerations, both subtle and arrogantly displayed? Like, "so far as we are favoured, so far as it puts food on our table, the rest of Nigerians and Nigeria can go to hell."

Please understand me, I do not begrudge your man his right to seek to be president. But he's not strong enough, and his vision does not make enough socio-economic sense to earn my support. I'm a development economist and I have studied some of his best promises and how they must be funded. They're more political than developmental, sustainable and strategic. It's not grounded enough or detailed enough to pull Nigeria out of the mess we all, including you and your family, grapple with today.

And then, there's a better candidate, one who offers hope that indeed it all can be better, to rebuild this nation and offer us all a Nigeria that meets our simplest needs and affords us the verve and impetus to dream and to believe in our dreams. A country that produces oil and gas that serve its people. A country that exploits its massive agricultural and aquacultural resources to feed its people. A country that taps into the immense human capital readily available to make it a force of human and material nature. A country that dares to assume its God-given stature and status as a giant. A Nigeria that reminds us that we are a proud people, because it fills us with pride.

Sadly, for a country of such immeasurable wealth and promise, hell becomes our reality. And there are too many people of questionable integrity in the corridors of power, as well as their enablers, who want to make it our heritage. This is our present reality, the underlying argument beneath the words typed and posted here; the memes, the lies, the whitewashing of sepulchres, the grandstanding and grandiose emptiness of logic.

You see, hope to a wounded spirit is everything money cannot buy. Delusion is the religion of those who think of others a god, and make themselves mindless followers, the kind that emboldened Hitler to war against a race. Despite the apostolic realities that these gods are nothing but naked of principles and morality. Despite the truth that whispers to us, away from the lucre, lure and limelight of social media and politics. Some day, we all will confess that truth. May we all here be alive then to bear witness. And may our children survive, even as this great country survives.

Your brother,

Chijioke Amu-Nnadi
Port Harcourt
September 11, 2022

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has called for stronger partnerships in the development of the State's education sector.

Governor Soludo made the call during the I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, IGAHAF, education workshop and scholarship award ceremony held in Awka.

The I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, which commenced in 2019, focuses on helping young and less privileged persons in the society.

Between December 2019 to March 2021, several people have been mobilized to, among other things, work as major trustees of the Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Governor Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, called on resourceful stakeholders to join hands with the government to resuscitate community schools in Anambra State.

Governor Soludo commended the foundation for helping indigent children in their academic pursuit, and advised the well-to-do to emulate the footsteps of the founder, Chief Onyeka Aguowo.

On the aims and objectives of I.G Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, the benefactor, Chief Aguowo, explained that the prime mission of the foundation is to provide free basic education for the less privileged in the society and to lead the campaign for citizen's access to free education and healthcare, among others.

Chief Aguowo further solicited the full support of Anambra State Government in achieving its objectives, even as he urged parents of beneficiaries to play their role in seeing that the efforts of the foundation are not in vain.

On their parts, the Traditional Ruler of Nibo Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Igwe Michael Ngene, his Umuawulu counterpart, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, the Dean, Faculty of Physical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu, Mrs Obianuju Chiekezie among others, said support to students by the foundation is a great way of promoting education in Nigeria and urged the beneficiaries to strive for excellence.

The best three beneficiaries for the 2021/2022 Academic Session, Daniel Chukwuemeka from Holy Ghost Academy, Awka, Chiemerie Okolo from Nwano Nwimo Memorial Secondary School, Awka, and Precious Nwufo from Nneoma Secondary School, Nibo, expressed appreciation to their benefactor, describing the empowerment as a golden opportunity to further their academic pursuits and achieve life goals and assured not to disappoint Chief Aguowo.

The event featured lectures and presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries.

By Ifeyinwa Ekwemchi

There is palpable fear, tension and disquiet in the Ebeano Group, and its ruling subplot, Gburugburu camp, as millions of members of the Labour Party in Enugu State staged a solidarity march in the state capital in support of their candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Young people, middle-aged men and women and some senior citizens were out in their millions in what many political watchers describe as a foretaste of the realignment that will mark next year’s elections, especially the governorship and senatorial elections.

The solidarity march, which stretched for more than five kilometres, started at the popular Okpara Square, behind the governor’s office, passed through Presidential Road and terminated at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Ogui Road.

In what is looking like an epic topple, reminiscent of the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari against former President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s choice of successor, Peter Mbah, appears to be unravelling, with rave of the moment, Chijioke Edeoga, the gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party, gaining the upper hand.

On the other hand, Okey Ezea, veteran of many past elections, is looking more likely to tilt the scale in his favour and scuttle Governor Ugwuanyi’s ambition of moving from Enugu State Government House to the Red Chamber in Abuja.

If previous calculations and dipstick surveys were viewed with some measure of doubt, the solidarity rally held by the Labour Party in Enugu on Saturday, September 10, has told everyone, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party in the state that an inevitable paradigm shift stares them in the face.

A source from the Ebeano group, in an informal chat with Enugu Monitor, said crippling fear has enveloped both the leader of the group, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, and the PDP governorship candidate, Peter Mbah.

The source, who claimed he was one of the people sent by the camp to monitor the rally, said "everyone is scared of the fever that the Peter Obi momentum is sending all over Enugu State and Nigeria," stating that with the number of people that turned out for the rally, Saturday even his boss, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, is no longer upbeat and optimistic about returning to the Senate.

“I must tell you the truth," he said, "all of us are afraid. Initially, we did not take this Obidient thing seriously. When we heard of this rally today, we thought it was going to be a gathering of a few boys and we had been briefed to disperse them or beat them up. But, my brother, who would make any attempt against this crowd?"

The source, who is a ranking member of a leading support group for the PDP candidate aggregated the fear of the Ebeano Group, saying the group is no longer as confident as they were before the solidarity rally.

He stated: “Let me tell you, my brother, before today, we were calculating that once we win the Enugu zone clearly and, with the influence of Gburugburu, divide Nsukka votes and then have a slight majority n Enugu West, the governorship ticket would be ours. But look at what happened today in Enugu, the zone where Peter Mbah was calculating to gain majority of his votes. If one-third of these people turn out to vote and cast their votes for Labour Party, then it's all over for the PDP in Enugu."

He added: "And mind you, the people of Nsukka and areas like Aninri, Oji River and Awgu, were not a part of this rally o! There is serious trouble.”

Further investigations among members of the inner circle of Governor Ugwuanyi also suggested similar fear, saying that the state of mind of the governor has been freaking everyone around him out.

Said the source: “Ugwuanyi has hundreds of people who scan and report on social media for him. A number of them were asked to monitor and report what happened at the rally. But up till late this evening, hours after the rally had ended, only a handful of these boys have strolled into the Government House, all wearing long, disappointed faces.

“His Excellency has been angry all day. He has been snapping and shouting at everybody. The reports are not encouraging at all. The worst thing that is breaking the heart of His Excellency is the reports that a lot of his trusted foot soldiers were spotted in the rally, wearing Labour Party and Peter Obi T-Shirts,” he said.

When asked what the response of the PDP would likely be, another source said the worst thing any person would suggest would be to stage a counter-rally.

“Even if we spend N10 billion, I am afraid we will not be able to mobilise this number of people," he said, adding: "Did you see that turnout? I did not even know there was this huge number of people in Enugu. Even if we spend N10,000 per person, with the aim to mobilise one million people, we are never going to get this number of people."

The source, who is one of the new appointees made by Governor Ugwuanyi in his election-motivated appointments, stated. "Do you know that even Chimaroke is no longer confident of returning to the senate? The man is frightened. That is just how bad the situation is."

By David Ledee Iana, Ekemini Bassey and Anita Onwuka.

The Interim Administrator/CEO of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Efiong Akwa, has declared that the people of Taabaa Community in Khana LGA of Rivers State, will enjoy 24 hours modernised medical services at the newly upgraded Primary Health Centre in Taabaa Community, Khana LGA, Rivers State.

Dr Akwa stated this during the official commissioning and handing over of the Health Centre in Taabaa Community. The Interim Administrator, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving and prioritizing the completion of this project in line with the government's rural developmental plans.

He commended the Traditional Ruler and the youths in Taabaa for giving the contractors the necessary support needed to complete this project, stating, "if all youths and traditional institutions support contractors the way Taabaa has done, the era of abandoned project will be a thing of the past", he added.

Dr. Akwa reiterated that with this kind of facility in place, coupled with accommodation for the Resident Doctor, Nurse and Lab Technician, "we have brought modernised 24 hours medical care closer to the people of Taabaa and its environs".

In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Taabaa Council of chiefs, HRH Mene MSK Nule commended NDDC for it's timely intervention and handing over of the health centre for use. Stating "it's a great relief that my people will easily access modernised medical services in the community". He noted that the community will preserve and protect this facility in other to reap maximum benefits from it and attract more developmental projects to the community by NDDC.

He further averred that prior to the renovation of this Centre, the hospital was dysfunctional which made it difficult for the people to assess proper medical care, while some indigenes had to go as far as 30km away from the community to have access adequate medical care.

The Director, Disease Control, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Ekanem Nyarawo was elated about the facility on ground stating "with the equipments and resident accommodation for staff, I have no doubt that medical service here will be improved upon". He thanked the NDDC for its support to the Rivers State Government.

... Describes Graham-Douglas as National Icon

Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC), Dr Efiong Akwa, has described the late Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas as a national hero who helped bring development to the Niger Delta region.

Dr. Akwa was speaking to newsmen at the commendation service of the former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, held at Riyal House of Grace, Port Harcourt.

"It is clear that our late leader is not just a Rivers man, but a great product of the Niger Delta," the NDDC boss said. "You could clearly see this with the turnout for the commendation service in his honour. Many of us as young men learnt a lot about leadership following his footprints. He may be dead, but his legacies and footprints in our nation live on."

Meanwhile, Mbah desecrates Nsukka Symbol of Truth

... Traditional Rulers Stunned in Disbelief

By Fred Ozonta

It was shame and humiliation for the Enugu State PDP leaders yesterday as the clergy of Nsukka Diocese (Anglican Communion) flatly rejected a hefty bribe offered to them, seeking their support.

The state PDP leaders led by Ifeanyi Ossai, running mate of governorship candidate Peter Mbah, Vita Abba, the House of Representatives' candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, Augustine Nnamani, state chairman of the party and the chairmen of the six local councils in Enugu North, met with the clergymen to solicit support in next year's general election.

Ifeanyi Ossai, who first spoke for the party leaders, told the church leaders that the current clamour for "Ka Isi-Uzo jee" was meaningless and that the position of deputy governor given to Nsukka zone by PDP was enough compensation. At the end of his speech, he presented what was said to be N10m cash which the Anglican pastors refused to touch.

This appears to be a plan by PDP to bribe the church. Only a fortnight ago, a PDP team led by gubernatorial candidate, Peter Mbah, donated N40m to the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Nsukka diocese, for their "August meetings". The women present on the occasion shared the cash and each received N100,000. The money, obviously meant to buy the CWO's conscience, is now the source of great rancour among the women.

The state PDP, whose current Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is contesting the Senatorial seat for Enugu North senatorial zone, has been engaged in a bazaar and financial recklessness recently. They are reported to be handing out hundreds of millions of Naira to all kinds of groups in the state, in the hopes of enticing them to support their candidates in the 2023 general elections. Many of those groups are known to be guests of Government House, Enugu.

The frenzy to share public funds has been so much that Ndi Enugu have wondered why anyone would empty the state's treasury while primary school teachers and local government staff went on strike to protest the state's inability to pay them the minimum wage. Pensioners have been dying in droves because they are owed their stipends in arrears of six months or longer.

Currently, there is a groundswell of disapproval against the PDP in most of the communities in the state. Many PDP members have left the party, most of whom have pitched their tent with the Labour Party, whose presidential candidate is Peter Obi, while the governorship candidate in the state is Chijioke Edeoga.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers of Nsukka cultural zone, led by Igwe Okosisi Itodo, were left stunned in disbelief when the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah, desecrated the Nsukka symbol of truth.

The traditional rulers, who were brought to the Adada House venue of what was supposed to be a symbolic show of support by the ruling PDP in the state, whose current governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is from the zone, could not hide their shock when Mr. Mbah held up the "ofo" with his left hand, an ominous disrespect of the traditional institution and custom in Igboland.

Many who saw the governorship candidate pick up, raise and wave the "ofo" with his left hand shouted: "Sacrilege! Abomination! Aru!" It is said that the traditional rulers may have received a N5m gift to organise the ceremony.

Amidst murmurs at Adada House, during which the politician sought blessings, many of the traditional rulers stated that Mbah was "not ready to lead Enugu State", and had been rejected by the land by holding the "ofo" with his left hand. It is believed that this is usually a sign that the offender would revel in falsehood.

... Protocol team said to pilfer millions daily from support groups visiting to praise the governor

By Okechukwu Obikwelu

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State appears to find his back against the wall in his now desperate effort to save his political life. He is not only fighting to ensure that his hand-picked candidate, Barr. Peter Mbah, wins election as Governor of Enugu State under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but is fighting become the Senator to represent Enugu North in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

The battle, unlike any since the return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999, looks to be fierce, as realignments in the political architecture in the state are making things a lot more difficult for Ugwuanyi than anticipated. With Chijioke Edeoga increasingly riding the waves of the Peter Obi momentum, the chances of both Mbah and even the governor dim each passing second.

But the Governor, a political chess grandmaster, has been working night and day to create a pathway for victory for himself and his party. He has always had one weapon - money - and this, he has ostensibly put to good use.

Since the end of his party's primary elections offered him the senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party on a platter, and Mbah, the governorship candidate, Ugwuanyi has resumed his political money distribution strategy in the state. Having weaponised poverty in Enugu state, he knows that once he makes funds available to be shared with the poor folks in the state, votes would naturally pour in for him.

To create a smokescreen of being popular among the people, Governor Ugwuanyi courts support groups to visit him at the Government House to express their solidarity. This, he did during the 2019 elections and he has resumed that same political trickery again. So far, groups such as cashew sellers’ union, masters of ceremonies association, barbers’ union, Keke drivers’ unions, wood sellers, among scores of such odd groups, have visited him and many are still being invited to visit.

Each group that visits receives between N5 million to N10 million from the "nrashi" political exponent. In the local parlance, "nrashi" is the dubious ideology of sharing government funds for political gains. This, this writer has discovered from extensive investigations, has become a major racket among close aides of Governor Ugwuanyi. Available information avers that aides of the governor now act as “consultants” for these desperate political pilgrims for a very decent fee.

What is happening is that each person who is able to mobilise any group for a visit reaches out to these aides, who then convince the governor of their strengths, or the stalwart leading them, as well as the political efficacy of the group in turning in votes for the governor in 2023. Once this is done, the aides, who work mainly in the protocol unit of the governor’s team, would strike a deal that will have them take a portion of the "nrashi" amount the governor would give the visitors.

Findings indicate that many groups the Governor gave N5 million actually took home a net sum of N3 million, while the group, took away N2 million from the goody bag containing the gift. Those who belong to the elite class that was given N10 million, on their part, would receive N6 million or N7 million, in the end, depending on their negotiating power. Agreements are reached in advance with these middlemen, and because they are usually the ones who go in to “organise” the cash, they remove their pre-agreed share before the money is handed over to the “beneficiaries.”

It is a very discreet operation. Nobody complains or even dares to report, because agreements are reached well in advance. Any group that disagrees with this sharing formula are locked out of the gates and would not be granted access to the government house for the money-for-praises scheme.

Our informant also revealed that these “consultants” in the government house have also recruited their agents in all parts of the state. The duty of these agents is to scout for groups who would want to visit, strike the deal with them and pass the information to the protocol officials, one of whom is a cousin to the governor, whose younger brother is a local government chairman in Enugu North senatorial zone.
There is huge money being made by these people. If, for example, there are 10 visiting groups to the Governor in a day and the sum of N5 million is given to each of them, it means the men behind this racket would pocket a princely sum of N20 million, at the rate of N2 million off the amount given to each of the 10 visitors.

It is not clear if Governor Ugwuanyi is aware of this racket. What we heard was that it will be difficult for any of the visiting groups to report the racketeering being carried out by the protocol officers, because it is always pre-agreed. Secondly, the money is seen as free money, and since most of the visitors are said to be determined to vote for the Labour Party during the elections, there is no point in reporting the scheme.

Okechukwu Obikwelu, a freelance writer, lives in Trans Ekulu, Enugu

.. Even as EFCC Investigates him for Fraud

By Godwin Ugwueze

Evarest Nnaji, best known as Odegene, has been a fixture in Enugu politics for some time now. He is one of those seasonal politicians who appear at the approach of every election year, stir some noise and disappear after the election is over.

In his first flush, he had run for the Senate and campaigned by throwing money down from a low-flying helicopter. This vulgar generosity saw people stampeding for money. Odegene’s lack of refinement contradicts his years of residence in the United States of America.

Odegene resurfaced again during the primary election of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), against the 2023 elections. Buoyed by a false promise from the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, he began to construct roads for his people as evidence of leadership and public-spiritedness. More skeptical people who knew Odegene pointed out that he was trying to hoodwink the people. Before politics, Odegene was not given to philanthropy. He was rather remarkable for always trying to impress with his suspicious wealth.

Perhaps, getting wind of what the outcome of the PDP primary elections would be, Odegene boycotted it. He told everyone who was available to listen that the governor beguiled him into plunging his resources in public projects. He did not hide how embittered he was. There was no love lost, therefore, between Odegene and the man who fed him false hopes.

Now it looks like an opportunity has presented itself for the strange bedfellows to get over their differences and for Odegene to recover his money. The emergence of Barr. Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga as the candidate of the Labour Party in the Enugu governorship election is giving the ruling PDP sleepless nights. And this has landed Odegene a new role in the fast-unfolding political drama.

Odegene has allegedly been drafted by PDP in Enugu State to put spanner in the works of the Labour Party in the state. Materializing almost from the blues, he absurdly began to parade himself as the Labour gubernatorial candidate for the election. Remarkably, he is neither a member of the Labour Party, nor was he anywhere to be seen during the processes that produced a candidate for the party.

When, in accordance with the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, the Chairman of the Labour party in Enugu and placeholder for a governorship candidate, Casmir Agbo, peacefully handed the ticket over to Barr. Edeoga, Odegene was not in thepicture. But the call came and with it the opportunity.

There are obvious reasons why the ruling PDP are unsettled about the emergence of Barr. Chijioke Edeoga and are doing everything to scuttle his campaign. People say that the Ugwuanyi-led government in Enugu State has been an unmitigated disaster. There is a groundswell of discontent in the state and the chances of the PDP to retain Lion Building are diminishing, especially with the rise of the Peter Obi phenomenon.

There are piles of unpaid salaries, pension and gratuities. The state is being overrun by waste and decay. The gains made by the state under former Governor, Sullivan Chime, have been negated by the incompetence of the present administration. Even the road built by Chime which leads to Governor Ugwuanyi’s country home, is falling apart, riddled with potholes.

And there are reports that corruption has never been more brazen in the governance of Enugu State. For instance, there are stage-managed solidarity visits to Ugwuanyi that is costing the government millions in taxpayers money. And many dubious groups are taking advantage of Ugwuanyi’s depleting status, as well as mounting fears, yo cash out.

Now, the accumulated feelings of dissatisfaction and betrayal are making the Enugu people hanker for alternative. The Nsukka cultural zone which is believed to hold about 58 per cent of viting power is also rising against the governor and his preferred candidate, Barr. Peter Mba. Currently, it is becoming increasingly evident that Edeoga has the brightest chances of succeeding Ugwuanyi as governor. This is why they are desperate to ensure that Edeoga, who is from Enugu East Senatorial zone, just as Mba, but has strong affiliations in the Nsukka area, does not run.

Unfortunately, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has put a stop to Odegene's ambition, allegedly funded by Ugwuanyi. Grapevine says that he was given about N2 billion to play dirty with Edeoga’s campaign. And this is hardly surprising.

According public records, Odegene is no stranger to suspicious dealings. Currently, he is a co-defendant of one Victor Uadiale with whom he is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) for defrauding one Tawfeeq A. Al-Omar, a Kuwaiti national, of the staggering sum of five million dollars. According to court documents, in 1998 they sold their unsuspecting victim the false story that they would supply him with urea phosphate fertilizer. Enthusiastic about a seemingly fabulous business deal, the victim paid and the duo vanished with the money.

In political rallies, Odegene loves to represent himself as a successful entrepreneur and wonderful pilot. But this is the story of his wealth. In a political rally before the primary election, Chimaroke Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State had told Odegene to his face and within the hearing of everybody that it is over his dead body that a known fraudster would be the governor of Enugu state. They came close to exchanging blows before being separated by interveners.

And many people believe that he is on one of schemes again, trading the fortunes and future of Enugu State and the people for lucre.

... The N30 billion 2023 election sinkhole*

*By Edwin Maduako*

It is no longer news that the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in a desperate bid to win a seat in the 9th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023, has dipped both hands in the treasury of Enugu State.

And each passing day, Governor Ugwuanyi throws his hands deeper into the common till of the people, at a time the state is hanging on weak threads of economic stagnation, unpaid pensions and salaries, as well as social inequality.

The bazaar began months before the PDP primaries. Facing an uphill opposition from former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu knew that only money would give him and his camp an edge. The former DSP was a formidable opponent, who felt he had the backing of the National Executive Committee of the PDP. But he did not reckon with the determination of Governor Ugwuanyi, who is known to believe in the philosophy that “money can buy anything”.

While Ekweremadu was waiting for the PDP hierarchy to prevail on the governor to hand him over the ticket, Ugwuanyi, with access to Enuhu State funds, moved into the leadership circles of the party and began to dispense favours.
It is rumoured that the National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu was high on his list of beneficiaries. Ayu, it is rumoured, received a whopping N5 billion from the coffers of Enugu State to ensure he threw away the perceived loyalty of Senator Ekweremadu to the party in favour of Ugwuanyi’s candidate, Peter Mbah.

While this was going on, the governor was also said to have arrested the greed of other national executive members of the party with a sum said to be more than N2 billion. Even the party officials that came to supervise the primaries in Enugu were not also left behind, rewarded as they were, with another princely sum, said to be around N2 billion to share among themselves.

Ugwuanyi’s queer generosity has become legendary in many political circles in Nigeria. In a country where love for money is exponentially high and there is little due diligence on how much of public funds a person in a position of executive leadership can access and dispense, Governor Ugwuanyi became a bride sought after by many who had one political advantage to sell.

It became common knowledge that hangers on in and around the Aso Rock seat of power also constituted themselves into influence peddlers and convinced the Enugu Governor of their capabilities to influence the presidency into conceding certain opportunities in the APC chapter in the state. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were also made available to these people, many of whom did not even know anything about the management of the party.

Word around the Villa became, “You don collect your own?”, a reference to the endless streams of dollars from Enugu, directed to ensure at the time that Senator Ekweremadu was prevented from decamping from his PDP to the APC, where it was feared he might win the governorship ticket.

Not done there, the governor, who is also rumoured to have hijacked the APC leadership in Enugu State, was said to have doled out another N500 million to a stalwart of the party in the state, Chief Ugo Agbala, in a bid to stall Ekweremadu’s bd to join the APC. Recall that he employed the same method during the 2019 elections. It is widely believed that Barr. George Ogara was planted as the governorship candidate of the party in the state in that political cycle to prevent the popular candidate, Senator Ayogu Eze, from providing competition against Ugwuanyi.

The same Ogara is in the contest again, this time, as deputy governorship candidate to Uche Nnaji, the APC flagbearer. Hundreds of millions of naira were said to have also been invested in this project, all geared towards making sure the PDP had an easy passage to Enugu Government House in 2023. The Enugu Government treasury is apparently bottomless and it appears the governor is determined to empty it to fulfil his 2023 dreams.

*The Fear of Labour Party*

Ugwuanyi has also made strenuous efforts to topple the Labour Party structure in the state by using placeholders as candidates,. The desperation is presently at fever peak.

First, he planted Chief Everest Nnaji, popularly known as Odengene, to tussle for the ticket. At the time the Labour Party was battling to finalise its primaries, Odengene and his group were reported to have arrived Abuja with billions of naira to persuade the Labour Party leadership to jettison the candidacy of PDP-reject, Chijioke Edeoga. It was reported that it took the direct intervention of Presidential man-of-the-moment, Peter Obi to stop the effort in its tracks.

As it stands, the governor is alleged to still be investing billions to ensure that Edeoga, who is increasingly looking like the frontrunner in the elections in Enugu State, is frustrated. One of the steps said to have been taken by Ugwuanyi, is the deployment of one Ernest Ugwu to jostle for the senate seat of the Labour Party in Enugu North senatorial zone. Ugwuanyi is in the senate race and he is confronted by a veteran political fighter, Okey Ezea.

With the momentum of the Labour Party, triggered by the emergence of Peter Obi, as well as widespread disenchantment in Enugu North Senatorial Zone against Ugwuanyi, whom many accuse of being a failure, Okey Ezea looks like one who would topple Ugwuanyi’s Senate ambition. To make the contest easy, the governor has been said to have engineered Ernest Ugwu into initiating a court case against Okey Ezea, claiming he is the rightful senatorial candidate of the Labour Party. This is against the fact that Okey Ezea has already been given the Party certificate of return.

People in the state began to ask questions when Ernest, a young man of limited economic and political means, engaged the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to prosecute his case against the Labour Party. SAN services, especially for election-related cases, run into hundreds of millions of naira, a sum, those who know him, believe he could not afford.

As reward for his willingness to put his integrity on the slabs for him, Ugwuanyi was also said to have doled out N200 million to Ernest. This sum, it was said, went into the purchase of a Landcruiser SUV and a Hilux pickup mini truck.

Not sure that the Ernest Ugwu gambit would work, the Enugu governor has resorted to the jamboree that saw him turn the Enugu Government House into a political tourism centre. Daily, groups are invited or encouraged to throng the seat of government, chanting praises and worship songs, and in exchange, sums ranging from N5 million to N10 million are given away. This was the same scenario ahead of the 2019 elections during which more than N50 billion was allegedly spent on political crowd-sourcing.

*Higher Stakes*

However, the stakes are higher this time around. That is why the governor, who was giving out an average of N2,000,000 to each group of his praise singers in 2019, is now servicing these hangers-on with N5 million each or more, depending on how political value is rated.

To make sure that the rewards go round, the governor has also been hiring an endless stream of aides. As at date, there have been more than 2,000 such appointments; SPAs, SSAs. SAs, Tas, EAs and even commissioners. The minimum salary is N180,000 per month. All the Local Government Chairmen have also been mandated to appoint at least 1,000 SAs each at a salary of between N30,000 to N50,000 each month.

Those close to the governor estimate that the outflows from the coffers of Enugu State may be in the north of N30 billion. And it is still early days, yet. February 2023 is still about six months away, and the spending can naturally only get higher as the election draws closer. In a state where there is hardly any development project taking place in all the 17 Local Councils in state, it becomes a wonder where these monies being paid these appointees are coming from. Multiply 1000 appointees per local government by the 17 local governments in the state and you will have at least 17,000 appointees.

How desperate can a governor be? In a state where pensioners have not been paid for 8 years; in a state where local government workers have been on strike, in a state where schools have been shut following another strike by teachers, in a state where infrastructural development is stuttering, one wonders the nature of goodwill Ugwuanyi wants to take into the 2023 elections?

But then, it does appear that those who believe the governor thinks he can buy anything much the same way commodities are traded in the Orie Orba market in his home town are correct. And he believes that if it had worked for him in the past, it would work for him again.

_Maduako, a political commentator, lives in Ugwuoba, Oji River LGA_